Kenosha-Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor/In Training

Are you a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training, or will you be completing education in order to receive your LPC-IT in the next 4 months? Use your education and license to make a difference! Join a team of dedicated individuals in supporting Wisconsin residents with disabilities to obtain, maintain, or improve employment outcomes. This position comes with great benefits including a flexible work environment, excellent retirement plan, and potential for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and a $2000 sign-on bonus!

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is currently recruiting for 1 full-time permanent Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or Counselor- In Training in Kenosha Wisconsin (WDA 1). DVR maintains 11 Workforce Development Areas (WDAs) across the state where teams of DVR staff work together to assist Wisconsin residents with disabilities with their job search efforts.

Frequent day-time travel within WDA 1 (see WDA map), and occasionally statewide is a requirement of the position. Reimbursement for mileage and a daily meal allowance is provided when in travel status per travel guidelines.

Up to 3 days of remote work per week is available after an initial training period. Remote work will be discussed during the interview stage. High speed internet access is needed to meet the requirements of remote work. Remote work is subject to change based on business needs.

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. The State of Wisconsin offers an exemplary benefits package with:

• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more)
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (starting at $34/month for single and $83/month for family coverage)
• Top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
• Well Wisconsin program offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses
• Generous paid time off, including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation/personal time, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap
• Free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services

Public service is rewarding! This position may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Apply now to find out why we love to Work for Wisconsin.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar permanent, project, and/or LTE vacancies.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors help youth and adults with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives by assisting them in securing gainful employment. They provide a continuum of professional services designed to remove barriers and help consumers achieve success. Through vocational guidance and counseling, counselors assist consumers in determining employment goals, identifying services and resources, and preparing for employment and job searches. In addition, counselors develop and maintain relationships with community partners, including job centers, schools, service providers and employers.

For the complete position description for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor In-Training (VRC-IT) position, click here. For the complete position description for the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), click here.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor-In Training position is in Pay Schedule-Range 12-64 with starting pay between $26.60-$29.85 per hour. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor position is in Pay Schedule-Range 12-63 with starting pay between $29.14-$32.39 per hour. Some positions, where bilingual skills are needed, may qualify for an additional $1.00 per hour above base pay. A sign-on bonus of up to $2,000 may be available for new hires. Additional terms for the sign-on bonus are available here.

Starting salary depends on experience and includes excellent benefits. For more benefits information, view our benefits overview or more in-depth benefits e-learning.

A 12-month probationary period will be required. The classification titles for these positions are Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor In-Training and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. These positions are not represented in a collective bargaining unit.

Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.

We consider all qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DWD to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled..

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DWD does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

To legally perform as a VRC-In Training, one must possess a WI Professional Counselor-In Training license (LPC-IT) prior to start date. To perform as a VRC one must possess a Professional Counselor license (LPC) prior to start date.

The minimum requirement for the VRC-IT is to be within four months of earning a master's degree in Professional Counseling or an equivalent master's in counseling program. Equivalency is determined by the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS).

To be considered for the next step in the selection process, it is essential that your resume specifically describes your eligibility by indicating the following:

• Institution from which the master's degree was/will be earned
• LPC-IT or LPC license number*
• Master's degree program completed (indicate anticipated graduation date if program is not completed)

• If licensed, it's not necessary to list degree program/institution information

Especially well-qualified applicants will also have related education, training, or experience in any of the following:

• Counseling and empowering clients/consumers to develop plans to meet their goals (ideally in the area of vocational rehabilitation programming).
• Communicating effectively and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships.
• Conducting comprehensive assessments to determine clients/consumers' needs for services (e.g., using diagnostic tests/tools, labor market information, etc.).
• Applying principles of trauma informed care and multicultural sensitivity in counseling.
• Collaborating with external partners (e.g., employers, service providers, etc.) to guide and/or monitor the processes related to meeting client/consumer goals.
• Working in a team service environment.
• Managing caseloads and/or organizing and prioritizing tasks (e.g., recording case notes, completing forms, ensuring document compliance, etc.).

Additional qualifications may be evaluated in subsequent steps.

NOTE: Additional Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor-In Training vacancies are available in other WDAs. Use this link to find all available vacancies. Applicants must apply for all WDAs they would like to be considered for.

Click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume. It is important that your resume clearly illustrates how you meet the licensure or eligibility for licensure qualifications described above. On step 4 of the application process you will have the option to enter your license number. Entering your license in the application is optional.

Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to update your materials.

What happens next? A panel will review your application materials to determine your eligibility for further consideration in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, which is typically a virtual interview.

If you have questions, please email [email protected].

DWD is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Application Materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central daylight time) on Monday, August 21, 2023.